Hunting Season Safety & Exciting Updates from the NYS Horse Council

This week, Lindsay shares some exciting news—she’s stepped into the role of Regional Vice President for the Finger Lakes with the New York State Horse Council. That means our equestrian community now has another strong voice advocating for safe trails, fair access, and horse-friendly policies in Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, Seneca, Yates, and Steuben counties.

In this episode, we cover:

• 🎉 What this new role means for riders in our region
• 🦌 Key hunting season dates for the Southern Zone (October 1st through January 1st)
• 🐴 Which trails are hunting-free zones (like Monroe County Parks) vs. areas where you may encounter hunters (like the Genesee Valley Greenway)
• 🎃 Top safety tips for trail riding during hunting season:
  • Wear blaze orange or pink
  • Clip a bell to your tack
  • Stick to marked trails
  • Avoid dawn/dusk riding
  • Ride with a buddy when possible

Lindsay also announces a call for support: the Finger Lakes Region of NYS Horse Council is seeking a Regional Director. This volunteer position is perfect for someone passionate about horses who wants to:

• Attend occasional DEC or town meetings
• Monitor local issues affecting horse owners
• Share updates with riders in their county
• Strengthen our equestrian voice across the region

👉 If you’re interested (or know someone who would be a great fit), please reach out!

Resources & Links

• Full DEC Hunting Season Details (2025–26): NYS DEC Hunting Seasons
  
  
• Learn more about the New York State Horse Council
  
  

Stay Connected

🐴 Follow Rochester Trail Riders for updates, safety reminders, and equestrian community news.
📲 Share your fall riding adventures with us on social media using #RochesterTrailRiders.

Contact

• Facebook: Rochester Trail Riders
  (message the page)
• Email: RochesterTrailRiders@gmail.com

Rochester Trail Riders
https://www.rochestertrailriders.com

🐴 Episode Summary:

Spring is finally here, and that means it's time to knock the mud off your boots and get back in the saddle. But is your horse ready? In this episode of Rochester Trail Riders, Lindsay walks you through the key areas to focus on when bringing your horse back into trail condition after a winter break. From rebuilding physical strength to improving coordination and mental readiness, this episode is your practical guide to making the transition safe and successful.

Whether your horse is acting like a sleepy potato or a fire-breathing dragon, this one’s for you.

🧭 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why a spring tune-up is essential—even for horses in light winter work
• How to gradually rebuild your horse’s strength and stamina
• Arena-based exercises to improve balance, coordination, and confidence
• Mental training strategies to ease spooky or distracted horses back into trail mode
• How to prevent injuries and monitor for soreness
• Real-life obstacle ideas you can set up at home or in the arena
• A weekly challenge to help you take action now

🏇 This Week’s Rider Challenge:

Pick one thing from today’s episode and put it into action. Maybe it’s:

• Setting up ground poles in the arena
• Planning a short conditioning ride
• Introducing your horse to a tarp, a bridge, or tying for a mid-ride break
• Doing groundwork or lunging before your next ride

Be intentional. Observe how your horse responds and make adjustments based on their needs. Tag @rochestertrailriders or share your story in the comments—we want to cheer you on!

📝 Resources & Links:

• Learn about all our local trails at https://www.RochesterTrailRiders.com
• Join the New York State Horse Council to support trail advocacy: https://www.nyshc.org

🐎 Subscribe & Share:

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a barn buddy and leave a review—it helps other riders discover the show and keeps the trail talk going strong.
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to follow us on social media for updates and extra tips.

Rochester Trail Riders
https://www.rochestertrailriders.com

Spring is here, which means mud season is in full swing! One minute, you’re cruising down the trail, the next—your horse is knee-deep in muck, and you’re questioning all your life choices. With so many RTR members asking about the best trails and how to handle the mud, this episode is here to help!

In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ How to pick the right trails to avoid turning your ride into a slip-and-slide.
✅ Essential gear and hoof care to keep both you and your horse safe.
✅ Riding techniques for navigating mud without injuries.
✅ Trail etiquette and preservation—because we all want to ride trails that stay in good shape!
✅ Volunteer opportunities to give back to the parks and trails we love.

So, grab your waterproof boots, your best balance, and a sense of humor—because mud happens!

Want to get involved? Here’s how:

🛠 NY’s “I Love My Park” Day – April 4th, 2024
Help maintain parks like Letchworth & the Genesee Valley Greenway. Sign up here:
🔗 https://www.ptny.org/events/i-love-my-park-day

🗑 Monroe County’s “Pick Up the Parks” Day – April 12th, 2024
Let’s get RTR members at every major park we ride! Sign up here:
🔗 https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-pickuptheparks

Rochester Trail Riders
https://www.rochestertrailriders.com